Rutherford prepared to jump big at European Championships

Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford admits he may have to break his own British record if he wants to taste success at this week’s European Championships.

The 27-year-old set a personal best mark of 8.51 metres in San Diego in April, leaving him as the outright owner of the British record.

He has failed to get near that mark again this summer though although his jump of 8.20m in Glasgow last month was enough to add the Commonwealth Games long jump title to the gold he won in London two years ago.

Next up for Rutherford is the European Championships in Zurich starting tomorrow, with the long jump qualification taking place on Friday.

And with world champion Aleksandr Menkov and 2010 European champion Christian Reif just some of the names he will come up against, Rutherford knows he will have to be at the top of his game.

"I started the season in great shape, feeling good and rose to an occasion in San Diego against Will Claye, Tyron Stewart and that lot, which meant that I performed well," said the 2006 European silver medallist.

“I have not been jumping like that since, but caught one at the Commonwealths which filled me with confidence.

"I might have to go 51. I mean Aleksandr Menkov jumped 56 last year and if he's on point it can happen if Christian Reif is jumping well. He loves a big performance as well. We will see.

"Apparently the track as well is amazing, so from that point of view it could be a very, very exciting competition."